Obituary of Rita Rosemary Gillard

Rita Rosemary Gillard (Shepard) went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.  She was born July 25, 1933 to Frank Esmond and Katie Annie-Dorothy Metz Shepard, in London, England. Rita met Henry Elmore Gillard while he was serving in the military during WWII in London, they married and moved to the United States where she gained her citizenship. 

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Henry, parents Frank and Katie Shepard, and her grandson David Gillard.

She is survived by her four children, Sharen Gillard Hill of Concord, NC, Steven Gillard and wife Debra of Matthews, NC, Stewart Gillard and his wife Pamela of Waxhaw, NC, and Scott Gillard and wife Cara of Monroe, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren James Hill and wife Jennifer of Concord, Steven Gillard and wife Jessica of Charlotte, NC, Craig Gillard of Waxhaw, NC, Courtney Gillard Walker and husband Alex of Bolivia, NC, Grant Gillard, Hank Gillard, Jacob Gillard and Ashlyn Gillard all of Monroe, NC. She also has 6 great grandchildren – Zaylee, Finley, Harper, and Ella Gillard and Addilyn and Andrew Walker.

Rita graduated from business school in England before marrying and moving to the States. She retired from First Union National Bank after 30 plus years where she served as a Financial Specialist. 

Rita was a long time member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Charlotte, North Carolina. When it became too difficult for her to drive, she really enjoyed watching Charles Stanley In Touch Ministries. 

Rita was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed sharing talks with her family and shooting hoops with her grandchildren. During the summer Mom would enjoy taking a few laps each night in her pool. She also enjoyed taking trips to the beach and mountains. Mom loved to share her British heritage with her grandchildren and great grandchildren by serving hot tea and hosting special tea parties. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking dinners for our  large family Sunday gatherings. Mom was proud of her British heritage and was a great tour guide when we joined her on a few special trips to her home country. Mom always enjoyed keeping up with the British Royal Family. That being said, Mum will always be remembered as our Queen Mum.

The viewing will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Hankins and Whittington, 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 10:00 am also at Hankins and Whittington followed by a graveside service at 1:00 pm at Salisbury National Cemetery 202 Government Road, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Memorials may be made to https://www.alz.org/research Alzheimer’s Association.